Today I began to leaf through Matthew, which is my favorite book in the Bible. I’ve always wondered why Jesus was baptized.

“But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.” – Matthew 3:14-15

John the Baptist, I believe, was a prophet. See Matthew 11:14. And one of the prophet’s jobs was to anoint the king.

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.” – 1 Samuel 16:13

I think, at Jesus baptism, we see several things:

1. He didn’t need to repent since He had no sin, so the baptism wasn’t necessary for that reason. See 2 Cor. 5:21

2. I believe he was baptized to be the forerunner for our own baptisms(we are to follow His example – Matthew 28:16-20).

3. He is the King and tradition maintained that prophets anoint kings. See 1 Timothy 13-16.

4. He was anointed Chief Priest. See Exodus 30:30 & Heb. 7:17

“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”” – Matthew 3:16-17